What will you do
Istanbul City Tour
Burgazada island tour
Bosporus Cruise
Bodrum Vineyard tour (optional)
Bodrum City Tour
Ephesus tour
Hot air balloon flight (optional)
Goreme open air museum visit
Your itinerary
Arrival in Istanbul. Free day.
Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul
Arrival to Istanbul Airport
Upon your arrival to Istanbul, the city that bridges two continents, “Europe & Asia”, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in.
Day is free at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul
Fairmont Quasar Hotel 5*
Rising over the slopes of the Bosphorus, surveying centuries of history, yet silhouetted against the modern skyline of Istanbul, the Fairmont heritage of distinction and style comes to Istanbul, fusing with the city’s storied history and traditions to bring guests an exceptional experience in the heart of one of the world’s most talked about destinations.
Istanbul city tour. Shopping at the Grand Bazaar.
Day 2
Istanbul city day tour
Breakfast at hotel in the morning.
Depart hotel for full-day of Istanbul sightseeing, Old City highlights.
Proceed the Suleymaniye Mosque. Built by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan on the order of Sultan Suleiman, I (Suleiman the Magnificent), the Suleymaniye Mosque dominates the third hill of old Istanbul, and is strikingly graceful and less ornate than imperial mosques, thus lending itself to meditation and quiet reflection.
Visit the site of the famous Hippodrome, where chariot races and athletic events took during the Roman period. Begun in 203 AD, it was continually enlarged until it could seat 100,000.
Continue to the St. Sophia Museum, the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Built by Byzantine Emperor Constantine in the fourth century and reconstructed by Justinian in 537 A.D., this was the greatest church in Christendom for a thousand years, and remains an architectural masterpiece to this day. Its immense dome rises nearly 200 feet above the ground and is more than 100 feet in diameter. The Ottomans converted the basilica to a mosque in the 15th century, but today the Hagia Sophia serves as a public museum, known for its majestic serenity and fine Byzantine mosaics.
In the afternon visit will be to Serefiye Cistern which is one of many ancient cisterns of Istanbul lie beneath Fatih ancient cistern. Time to explore the Topkapi Palace which was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the administrative and educational center of the state. Initially constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, and expanded upon and altered many times throughout its long history, the palace served as the home of the Ottoman sultans and their court until the middle of the 19th century.
Shopping at Grand Bazaar.
After the tour you will drive back to your hotel for some rest. Overnight in Istanbul
Fairmont Quasar Hotel 5*
Rising over the slopes of the Bosphorus, surveying centuries of history, yet silhouetted against the modern skyline of Istanbul, the Fairmont heritage of distinction and style comes to Istanbul, fusing with the city’s storied history and traditions to bring guests an exceptional experience in the heart of one of the world’s most talked about destinations.
Trip to Burgazada island. Explore the Bagdad Street.
Day 3
Istanbul: Burganza Island tour
Breakfast at hotel at leisure.
Depart hotel in morning departure for the pier, to embark the boat to the island Burgazada
which is the second biggest island of princess islands on the Marmara Sea.
Upon arrival to the island, pedestrian walking tour among the historical wooden houses and the Greenland.
Then, sail back to the city but this time to a pier on the Asian side. Drive along the Bagdad Street which is one of the most happening streets of Istanbul with coffee shops, restaurants, branded stores and local shops. After spending sometime in here visit the center of Kadikoy which is one of the oldest settlement areas of Istanbul city. Visit the fish market to enjoy the local life of the residents.
Return back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul
Fairmont Quasar Hotel 5*
Rising over the slopes of the Bosphorus, surveying centuries of history, yet silhouetted against the modern skyline of Istanbul, the Fairmont heritage of distinction and style comes to Istanbul, fusing with the city’s storied history and traditions to bring guests an exceptional experience in the heart of one of the world’s most talked about destinations.
Golden Horn Drive. Visit to the Spice Market. Bosphorus cruise.
Day 4
Istanbul: Bosphorus cruise
After breakfast, pick up from your hotel in the morning and enjoy full day city tour Morning drive through Golden Horn. As a natural and extremely secure harbor, the Golden Horn has played an important role in the development of Istanbul. The inlet separates the European shore into two. Across the centuries thousands of ships sailed through its golden waters for trade and warfare. Driving along its shores we will see churches, mosques, ruins, museums, traditional districts, parks, bridges and a lot more, enjoying magnificent vistas of the city throughout the route.
While the Grand Bazaar may be the largest and most famous of Istanbul's covered bazaars, this Spice Market wins the prize for being the most colorful, fragrant, and often the most fun.
Enjoy an amazing traditional Bosphorus Cruise between the two continents, EUROPE and ASIA. Lined with extravagant palaces, crumbling wooden mansions, lush gardens, tiny fishing villages and an unparalleled array of spots to watch the boats go by, the Bosphorus offers something for everyone
Lunch at a local restaurant
Cross Istanbul's stunning Bosphorus Bridge, take in spectacular city views from Camlica Hill. Once on Istanbul's Asian side, first destination is Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul at 875 feet (267 meters) above sea level
Beylerbeyi Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz to act as an imperial summer residence for the royal family. With 24 rooms and 6 halls it is used as a quite summer home, and was also used to entertain visiting dignitaries.
After the tour transfer back to your hotel Overnight in Istanbul
Fairmont Quasar Hotel 5*
Rising over the slopes of the Bosphorus, surveying centuries of history, yet silhouetted against the modern skyline of Istanbul, the Fairmont heritage of distinction and style comes to Istanbul, fusing with the city’s storied history and traditions to bring guests an exceptional experience in the heart of one of the world’s most talked about destinations.
Flight to Bodrum. Optional Vineyard tour.
Day 5
Bodrum
After breakfast, check out from the hotel
You will be transferred to Istanbul Airport to take your flight to Bodrum.
Welcome to Bodrum, where the rugged, rolling mountains meet the shores of the crystal blue Aegean Sea. Renowned for its unique "sugar cube" houses, it's one of Turkey’s real gems.
Upon your arrival to Airport you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check in. Time to rest & freshen up
Optional tour suggestion: Bodrum Vineyard tour with dinner and wine pairing, in a Chateau Vinery by one of the well-known families in Bodrum who produce Zinfadel and Syrah grapes. If required dinner is an option here.
Overnight in Bodrum
Salmakis Beach Resort & Spa Hotel 5*
In ancient times, there was a lake named as Salmakis in the bay today known as Bardakci. A beautiful fairy who bears the same name with the lake, was living in this lake. One day, when Salmakis was taking a bath in the lake, Hermes and Hermaphrodite, Aphrodite's son, saw her and fell in love with her. However, Hermaphrodite rejected her. Salmakis was very upset and made a plea to the gods to bring them together. The gods pardoned Salmakis and united them in one body. From that day on, Salmakis and Hermaphrodite lived in a single body that had dual gender.
Bodrum city tour. Visit one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
Day 6
Bodrum city tour
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast enjoy your city tour.
Bodrum has a long history; in-fact the Father of history, Herodotus, was born here. Bodrum is also the location of one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world
Visiting Mausoleum which is one of the many beautiful sights overlooking the Bodrum peninsula are the windmills. Facing northwest, to catch the coastal winds, these windmills made of stone and lined with wooden planks, and were used from the 18th century until the 70s as a means to grind flour for the local people
Sightseeing tour around Myndos and the amphitheate which is another ancient structure accredited to the reign of King Mausolus, although it wasn’t completed until the Roman era. The theatre is another witness to the great past of Bodrum, and it is one of the best preserved structures of ancient Halikarnassus.
After the amphitheater you will see the Bodrum Windmills. One of the many beautiful sights overlooking the Bodrum peninsula are the windmills. Facing northwest, to catch the coastal winds, these windmills made of stone and lined with wooden planks, and were used from the 18th century until the 70s as a means to grind flour for the local people.
After the city tour transfer back to the hotel Overnight in Bodrum
Salmakis Beach Resort & Spa Hotel 5*
In ancient times, there was a lake named as Salmakis in the bay today known as Bardakci. A beautiful fairy who bears the same name with the lake, was living in this lake. One day, when Salmakis was taking a bath in the lake, Hermes and Hermaphrodite, Aphrodite's son, saw her and fell in love with her. However, Hermaphrodite rejected her. Salmakis was very upset and made a plea to the gods to bring them together. The gods pardoned Salmakis and united them in one body. From that day on, Salmakis and Hermaphrodite lived in a single body that had dual gender.
Ephesus tour. Transfer to Kusadasi
Day 7
Bodrum to Kusadasi
After leisurely breakfast, check out from your hotel.
You will drive to Kusadasi, driving distance is over 2 hours through a very picturesque road by the sea at one side and the mountains on the other.
Before reaching the city of Kusadasi, visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the land of bee which is one of the biggest commercial ports of ancient Ionian era of the East Roman Empire. The ancient city is the biggest surviving city of ruins, visit the temple of Artemis, the library, terrace houses and the temple of Saint John. Afternoon visit to the village of Sirince the old Greek village where the residence gain their life by producing homemade olive oils and fruit wines.
After the tour you will drive to city to Kusadasi and check-in the hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi
Charisma Deluxe Hotel 5*
We invite you to Charisma Deluxe Hotel where you can find comfort and luxury together in the joined view of the unique sea with the sky.
We offer the unique accommodation opportunity in order to provide you have a good quality and peaceful time together with our trained staff, high quality and service understanding.
House of the Virgin Mary tour. Flight to Cappadocia.
Day 8
Kusadasi - Izmir to Cappadocia
After breakfast check out from the hotel.
A morning visit to House of Virgin Mary where is located on the top of the "Bulbul" mountain 9 km ahead of Ephesus the shrine of Virgin Mary enjoys a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green. It is the place where Mary may have spent her last days.
Transferred to Izmir Airport to take your flight to Cappadocia.
Welcome to Cappadocia! The land of fairy chimneys, underground cities, ancient cave churches, hot-air balloon rides, and thousands of years of history is awaiting your discovery. Upon your arrival to Kayseri Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel check in.
Leisurely rest in the hotel Overnight in Cappadocia
Cappodocia Cave Resort 5*
Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa is located on the peak of Cappadocia fully entailing Güvercinlik Valley after Uçhisar Tower in Uçhisar and it is in 4-km distance to Göreme which has the greatest outdoor museum of the world.
Optional hot air balloon flight. Göreme Open-Air Museum tour.
Day 9
Cappadocia: Göreme Open-Air Museum tour
Breakfast at the hotel
The day starts early in the morning at around 4 am (depending on the sunrise time). The shuttle picks you up from your hotel and transferred to the hot air balloon launch site which is determined daily by professional pilots depending on the wind directions. You’ll get a chance to watch the hot air balloon preparation. Gliding over the strange and wonderful volcanic landscape of Cappadocia in the balloon as the sun illuminates the world below you are a truly magical experience. The landing is always rewarded with "champagne"
First visit will be Devrent Valley, which is famed for its lunar-like landscape of small, pointed fairy chimneys. We will take the time to explore the valley and witness some of its most unusual rock formations. Then visit Pasabag (Monks Valley) famed for its three-headed fairy chimneys.
Next stop is the town of Avanos renowned for its multi-millennial handcraft of pottery.
In the afternoon visit Göreme Open-Air Museum an impressive collection of monasteries, churches and chapels that date back to the Middle Ages. Goreme Open Air Museum is also listed on the World Heritage Sites in UNESCO since 1985. Today’s last visit is Uchisar Castle which is the highest peak in Cappadocia region except the volcanoes and the most prominent land formation
After the tour transfer back to your hotel Overnight in Cappadocia
Cappodocia Cave Resort 5*
Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa is located on the peak of Cappadocia fully entailing Güvercinlik Valley after Uçhisar Tower in Uçhisar and it is in 4-km distance to Göreme which has the greatest outdoor museum of the world.
Transfer to airport. Departure.
Price per person
From 1920 EUR per person*
*based on a 4 pax basis. Not available during July and August
Price Includes
- 4 nights accommodation in Istanbul with breakfast
- 2 nights accommodation in Bodrum with breakfast
- 1 night accommodation in Kusadasi with breakfast
- 2 nights accommodation in Cappadocia with breakfast
- Professional English speaking guide
- All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
- Transfers & Transportation in fully air-conditioned private vehicle
Your host
DUYGU KUŞKULU
Dyugu is Virgo and she is living in details, details and details. Straight thinking and practical always aim to to make things easier for people and have a flawless and exciting trip in Turkey.
Her personal motto in life is “Be further, Be different, Be perfect”.
Bespoke Turkey Escape
10 days